Q fever
- Caused by Coxiella burnetti
- Influenza-like disease of humans in contact with farm animals
- Transmitted to humans by inhalation from parturient sheep, goats and cattle
- Organisms replicate in female genital tract and mammary glands of ruminants
- Shedding occurs in uterine discharges, foetal fluid and milk
- Infections in animals usually subclinical
- Sporadic abortions occur in sheep, goats, cattle, cats
- Infertility may result in ruminants, as well as placentitis or endometritis
- Hepatitis, myocarditis and interstitial pneumonia may occur in affected foetuses
- Diagnosis: MZN-stained smears of placental tissue and uterine discharges; immunofluorescence; PCR; culture; serology
- Control: disposal of infected placenta and separation of pregnant ruminants; inactivated vaccines